Surfers are natural ambassadors and symbols of the ocean as they spend so much time in the sea, writes Zamo Phungula, who is assisting Roving Reporters in shortlisting candidates nominated for Roving Reporters 2017 Soul Surfers Awards.
“The awards will go to those surfers who we believe can best serve as ambassadors of our Ocean Watch programme which promotes awareness of critical issues affecting the health of our oceans,” says Zamo.
Non-degradable waste like used diapers and all manner of plastic materials leave our ocean floors and shorelines congested with waste, posing a threat to a lot marine life,” says Zamo, who has assembled this collection of educational articles.
Our Ocean Watch education page is sponsored by
Great white encounter inspires respect
The future of South Africa’s coast is in our hands – Sacha Specker.
Sacha Specker doesn’t work for anyone. But a recent encounter with a great white shark reminded the underwater ocean photographer that he’s still not the boss. Specker held his nerve in that bloodcurdling moment and made it out unharmed, proving again that in the deep, respect offered will be returned. Read more and watch the video … >> news24.com
More plastic in ocean than fish by 2050?
Ocean floors across the world are clogged with piles of non-degradable waste, from polythene carry bags to used diapers. This was a talking point at a recent conference held underwater conservation – a trend that started in the Maldives when the country’s government conducted the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting in 2009. Read more . . . – >> Times of India
Ocean not a dumping ground, warns Mauritian president
In this interview, with Ameenah Gurib-Fakim talks how the protection of the ocean is critical for the survival of humanity. Read more . . . >> allAfrica.com
If we want to gain economically from the ocean, we need to protect it, says Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Athol Trollip. He cites the recent mass death of dolphins at Woody Cape as another red flag.
Conservation of oceans can contribute to economy
If we want to gain economically from the ocean, we need to protect it, says Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Athol Trollip. He cites the recent mass death of dolphins at Woody Cape as another red flag. Read more . . . >> Herald Live
Click here to read about the mysterious mass dolphin beaching
Protecting the other two thirds of the globe
Marine protected areas can be beneficial as long as everyone they impact is involved in the process. If the impacted people are part of the policy that’s decided then they would automatically, through pride of authorship, comply with the regulation. Read more . . . >> SCIENCELINE
Benguela Current – Lifeblood of ‘ocean economy’
Supporting fisheries, tourism, recreation, and thousands of jobs, a sustainable Benguela Current ecosystem is the lifeblood of the ‘ocean economy’ on South Africa’s West Coast, say stakeholders. Read more . . . >> BIZCOMMUNITY
Blue Flag beaches the way to go
A total of 45 South African beaches were awarded Blue Flag status for the 2016/17 season, along with five marinas and eight sustainable tourism boats. The Blue Flag programme is now in its 30th year and continues to grow both locally and abroad. Read more . . . >> BIZCOMMUNITY
Aquarium mermaids inspire kids
The mermaids at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center are essentially ambassadors to the ocean, inspiring future naturalists, environmentalists and ocean lovers. The idea is to help kids connect with the sea by giving it a human face. Read more… >>> U.S.News
Roving Reporters Ocean Watch programme was inspired by the award-winning Makotikoti Arts Project supported by the Human Elephant Foundation.
